Pore formation and compressive deformation in porous TiAl-Nb alloys containing directional pores

► Porous TiAl-Nb intermetallic compounds were prepared by unidirectional solidification. ► Cylindrical pores oriented along the solidification direction were formed. ► Formation of β (bcc) phase during the solidification suppressed the pore formation. ► Porous TiAl-Nb alloys with directional pores exhibited superior compressive properties.